MSc Biomedical Science (Part-time) (with PgC and PgD exit awards)

Transcription

1 COURSE TITLE: MSc Biomedical Science (Part-time) (with PgC and PgD exit awards) PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the learning and teaching and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course and module handbooks. 1 AWARDING BODY: University of Ulster 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster 3 LOCATION: Distance-Learning 4 ACCREDITED BY: IBMS and approved by AMLS 5 FINAL AWARD: MSc in Biomedical Science 6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Part-time 7 SPECIALISMS: Cellular Pathology/Clinical Chemistry/Haematology/Medical Microbiology 8 COURSE CODE: EFFECTIVE FROM: EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE To provide advanced education and professional training in the biomedical sciences, allowing specialisation in either: cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, haematology, or medical microbiology, and provide the opportunity for critical reflection and evaluation of current practice and policy, enabling lifelong learning and professional development in biomedical science. 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes: the University s Vision and core strategic aims, Learning and Teaching Strategy and policies; current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Bioscience, December 2007; QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Biomedical Science, March 2010; requirements of the professional bodies as specified in the Course Validation Guidelines for Applicants from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Academy of Medical Laboratory Sciences; views from Employers; the Modernising Scientific Careers programme developed by the Department of Health; subject benchmark statement for Master s Degree Characteristics; national and University qualifications and credit frameworks; The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles underpinning the biomedical sciences and have developed a systemic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease K2 Display mastery and an advanced knowledge of at least one of the core pathology specialisms of biomedical science K3 Demonstrate a critical awareness of principles relating to professional practice, scientific integrity and ethical issues in biomedical science K4 Identify and manage bio-medical data, analyse using appropriate statistical tools, and interpret results within the context of the chosen scientific method K5 Critically discuss the value of evidence-based practice in healthcare and be able to apply the principles to an area of professional practice K6 Apply the principles and methods of scientific inquiry and research design to plan either an hypothesisdriven research project or an in-depth critical analysis of current practice in the field of biomedical science K7 Draw on knowledge and skills developed within the programme to undertake an in-depth review of the scientific literature NOTE: K1-K7 will be achieved for MSc Award K1-K6 will be achieved at PgD Award K1-K2 will be achieved at PgC Award 1

2 Learning and Teaching Methods: Core material will be delivered through lectures and/or on-line delivery systems, complemented by student-led seminars, group tutorials, case study orientated problem-based learning exercises, private study and module assignments. Assessment Methods: Examinations and/or coursework will assess outcomes and facilitate learning and the integration of knowledge. Structured coursework will include case studies, literature-based assignments, a research project dissertation, supervisors report, plus other formative coursework as appropriate. 11I I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES Integrate and critically review information from a wide range of sources and to construct and defend reasoned conclusions Think independently and demonstrate creativity in the identification of problems and their solutions Analyse case studies and problem-based learning scenarios Critically compare and contrast professional practice at local, national and international levels Apply the principles of scientific enquiry to design, plan and undertake a hypothesis-driven biomedical research project or an advanced critical analysis of current practice NOTE: I1-I5 will be achieved for MSc Award I1-I4 will be achieved for PgD Award I1-I2 will be achieved for PgC Award Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, case studies, problem-based learning, self-directed learning, and independent research projects. Assessment Methods: Examinations and/or coursework. Coursework including problem-based learning, case studies project work and reports. 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 Demonstrate confidence and competency in understanding, analyzing and interpreting biomedical data and a comprehensive understanding of techniques and instrumentation P2 Utilize library, computer and other resources to acquire, apply and disseminate scientific knowledge in reports, presentations, coursework and written examinations P3 Demonstrate at professional level an ability to communicate scientific information to peers, colleagues and others as appropriate P4 Apply concepts and theories to develop good professional practice in the laboratory environment NOTE: P1-P4 will be achieved for MSc Award P2-P3 will be achieved for PgD Award P2-P3 will be achieved for PgC Award Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars and tutorials, case studies, problem-based learning, self-directed learning, and independent research projects. Assessment Methods: Laboratory reports and workbooks, assignments, project reports and examinations. 11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 Communicate effectively at a professional and appropriate level, utilising information technology and a range of approaches T2 Show initiative and demonstrate self-direction and originality in identifying, evaluating and solving problems at a professional level T3 Effectively utilize library and computer resources to access and search for information in specified areas, from a range of sources; evaluating this information to draw reasoned conclusions or sustainable judgements to inform practice T4 To present the results of a scientific investigation in an appropriate format for dissemination within the scientific community NOTE: T1-T4 is applicable to MSc Award T1-T3 is applicable to PgD Award T1-T3 is applicable to PgC Award Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars and tutorials, student presentations, research project preparation and implementation. Assessment Methods: Presentations, reports and other appropriate assessment such as the MSc project supervisor s report. 2

3 11A Programme Learning Outcome Map: MSc Biomedical Science (Part-time) Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES Title Level Code K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 Recent Advances in Clinical 7 BMS856 X X X X X X X X X Chemistry Advances in Medical 7 BMS858 X X X X X X X X X Microbiology Haematology in Health and 7 BMS857 X X X X X X X X X Disease Advances in Cellular 7 BMS855 X X X X X X X X X Pathology Biostatistics and Research 7 BMS815 X X X X X X X X X X Methods DNA Technology 7 BIO823 X X X X X X X X Evidence-Based Practice in 7 BMS859 X X X X X X X X X X X X Healthcare Sciences Bioethics and Governance 7 BMS804 X X X X X X X X X in Healthcare Science Diagnostics 7 BIO813 X X X X X X X X Medical and Healthcare 7 BIO812 X X X X X X X X Biotechnology Quality Management 7 BMS879 X X X X X X X X X Leadership and 7 BMS880 X X X X X X X X X Management in the Healthcare Sector Research Project 7 BMS809 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 3

4 11B Programme Learning Outcome Map: PgD Biomedical Science (Exit Award) Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES Title Level Code K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 P2 P3 T1 T2 T3 Recent Advances in 7 BMS856 X X X X X X X X X Clinical Chemistry Advances in Medical 7 BMS858 X X X X X X X X X Microbiology Haematology in Health and 7 BMS857 X X X X X X X X X Disease Advances in Cellular 7 BMS855 X X X X X X X X X Pathology Biostatistics and Research 7 BMS815 X X X X X X X X X Methods DNA Technology 7 BIO823 X X X X X X X X Evidence-Based Practice in 7 BMS859 X X X X X X X X X X X X Healthcare Sciences Bioethics and Governance 7 BMS804 X X X X X X X X X in Healthcare Science Diagnostics 7 BIO813 X X X X X X X X Medical and Healthcare 7 BIO812 X X X X X X X X Biotechnology Quality Management 7 BMS879 X X X X X X X X X Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector 7 BMS880 X X X X X X X X X 4

5 11C Programme Learning Outcome Map: PgC Biomedical Science (Exit Award) Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES Title Level Code K1 K2 I1 I2 P2 P3 T1 T2 T3 Recent Advances in 7 BMS856 X X X X X X X X X Clinical Chemistry Advances in Medical 7 BMS858 X X X X X X X X X Microbiology Haematology in Health and 7 BMS857 X X X X X X X X X Disease Advances in Cellular 7 BMS855 X X X X X X X X X Pathology Biostatistics and Research 7 BMS815 X X X X X X X Methods DNA Technology 7 BIO823 X X X X X X X X Evidence-Based Practice in 7 BMS859 X X X X X X X X X Healthcare Sciences Bioethics and Governance 7 BMS804 X X X X X X X in Healthcare Science Diagnostics 7 BIO813 X X X X X X X X Medical and Healthcare 7 BIO812 X X X X X X X X Biotechnology Quality Management 7 BMS879 X X X X X X X Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector 7 BMS880 X X X X X X X 5

6 12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD The part-time MSc programme is usually over 2 academic years and students can enter the programme at two time points, either September or February. For those students entering in September, they will take, in the Autumn semester of their first year of study, their chosen specialist taught module (30 credit point weighting), plus a 15 credit point module in DNA Technology, or Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector or Quality Management. In the Spring semester of their first year of study they will take the core 30 credit module in Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences plus an additional 15 credit point module in Bioethics and Governance, or Diagnostics, or Medical and Healthcare Biotechnology. In the Autumn semester of their second year of study, students take one compulsory 15 credit point module in Biostatistics and Research Methods, plus a 15 credit point module in DNA Technology, or Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector or Quality Management. In both the Spring and Summer semesters of second year, students work on their project, where the research project is normally carried out within the laboratories in their place of work under the supervision of suitably qualified staff. For those students entering in February, they will take in the Spring semester of their first year of study, a 15 credit point module in Bioethics and Governance, or Diagnostics, or Medical and Healthcare Biotechnology. In the Autumn semester, they take their chosen specialist taught module (30 credit point weighting), plus a 15 credit point module in DNA Technology, or Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector or Quality Management. In the next Spring semester they take the core 30 credit module in Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences. In the following Autumn, students take one compulsory 15 credit point module in Biostatistics and Research Methods, plus a 15 credit point module in DNA Technology, or Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector or Quality Management. In Spring and Summer semesters of their second year, students work on their project, where the research project may be carried out within the research laboratories of the University of Ulster or elsewhere under the supervision of suitably qualified staff. Students who wish to apply directly for entry onto the MSc programme, (including Ulster students who have previously graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma) will be required to take the bridging module, Research Proposal (BMS832). This 10-credit point module supports students in developing an acceptable research project and ensures that the appropriate research governance approvals are in place, prior to commencement of laboratory work. Students who pass the project module and have successfully completed 180 credit points will graduate with an MSc in Biomedical Science. Those who obtain an overall average of 70% or more, with a mark of at least 70% being achieved in the research project will be awarded a distinction. Following successful completion of 180 credit points incorporating the specialism module (30 credit points), the Evidence-based healthcare module (30 credit points), and the MSc project (60 credit points) in a particular discipline, students will be given the choice of graduating with a MSc in Biomedical Science or in their chosen specialist discipline: MSc in Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology), or MSc in Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology), or MSc in Biomedical Science (Clinical Chemistry), or MSc in Biomedical Science (Haematology with Transfusion Science). Provided that they have not been exempted for modules amounting to more than 60- credit points, students who fail the research project and have passed the taught modules may be recommended for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science. Following successful completion of the two core modules (Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Science and Biostatistics and Research Methods), the selected specialism module and the three elective modules (120 credit points), students may opt to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science. Of those who exit at this point, students who achieve an overall pass mark of 70% will be awarded a distinction. Students who successfully complete 60 credit points, which include either 30 credit points in a specialism module or Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences and meet the learning outcomes specified above, who wish to exit, will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Biomedical Science. The language of instruction is English 6

7 Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards Recent Advances in Clinical Chemistry 7 30 Optional None Advances in Medical Microbiology 7 30 Optional None Haematology in Health and Disease 7 30 Optional None Advances in Cellular Pathology 7 30 Optional None Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences 7 30 Compulsory None Exit Award: PgC Biomedical Science (60 Credit Points) Biostatistics and Research Methods 7 15 Compulsory None DNA Technology 7 15 Optional None Bioethics and Governance in Healthcare 7 15 Optional None Science Diagnostics 7 15 Optional None Medical and Healthcare Biotechnology 7 15 Optional None Quality Management 7 15 Optional None Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sector 7 15 Optional None Exit Award: PgD Biomedical Science (120 Credit Points) Research Project 7 60 Compulsory None Final Award: MSc Biomedical Science 13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Induction Processes: All new entrants to the School complete an online induction session in advance of the start of the semester in order to introduce them to BBLearn online learning environment and University resources. Programme Handbook: Each student is provided with access to the programme Handbook available on the Course Support Area through BBLearn. The Handbook contains necessary information regarding the University and School policies, in addition to course specific information. Module Handbook: Describes the content, teaching and assessment schedules and a list of recommended texts for each module delivered. The Course Director: Provides the administration of the course. Advisors of Studies: Provided through the Course Director. DL students are also supported by etutors who act as mentors and provide personal and academic guidance both to their student tutorial group and to students on an individual basis. Online Technical Support: is provided for students and staff through the BBLearn Helpdesk, the Programme Manager and other staff in the elearning Support Unit provide administrative support. Personal Development Planning: Students are introduced to the Professional and Career Enhancement (PACE) System during induction and then supported by their Advisor of Studies. Career Development Centre: A centralised careers service is available to help students develop their employability skills during their time at university and make the transition from university to employment as easy as possible. Information Services Department: Through University internet / intranet. Library Services: Students attend introductory and subject specific workshops run by the Faculty library team to provide training and support in searching for scientific information tailored to subject specific requirements. BBLearn Module Resource and Course Support Areas: Students are introduced to these through individual module co-ordinators and Course Director. Student Support Department: Through student counsellors, medical centre staff, financial advisers, accommodation officers, crèche facilities and others. International Office: Provides support especially for overseas students. Students Union: Provides student entertainment and refreshment, sport and other special interest clubs and societies in addition to financial support in emergencies and legal advice where required. Chaplaincy: Available to help and support all students regardless of their religion or faith background. 7

8 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Applicants must hold a degree in Biomedical Science or in another science subject which contains a significant amount of biological sciences with at least 2ii Honours standard or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Students should normally be employed as a biomedical scientist, trainee biomedical scientist or, equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory or have access to similar laboratory facilities. Specialist taught modules require that students have studied that specialism at Level 5 or can demonstrate their ability to undertake the module through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. The current MSc programme meets the requirements for Chartered Scientist status in the UK. The MSc is not a suitable qualification for the purposes of HCPC registration in the UK. In the Republic of Ireland the MSc is not acceptable as a sole qualification for the purposes of meeting the requirements for AMLS membership as detailed in the AMLS pathways to membership published in EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF LEARNING AND TEACHING The quality and standard of learning and teaching is monitored through: Staff/student consultation where the Student-Staff Consultative Committee meets at least once per semester (on-line for distance learners) to discuss course delivery. Any issues identified are reported to Course Committee. Minutes of the SSCC are made available in the course support area of the University VLE. Teaching evaluation conducted by University Student Questionnaire each academic year for every member of academic staff. Annual course/subject monitoring for each course, and module evaluation completed for every module in each academic year. Module Monitoring, whereby modules considered at risk after analysis of statistical data provided by the Quality Management and Audit Unit are reviewed. External examiner scrutinises examination papers/coursework, students scripts and examines a selection of students every year. At the time of his/her on-campus visit the external examiner has general discussions with representative students on the subject of quality and standard of learning and teaching. Support structure within Faculty/School and University/Institution administrative staff at Faculty level provide statistical data on courses and modules. Student performance data and career progression. University processes for initial approval and periodic re-approval. In addition, there are University/Faculty/School strategies for learning and teaching. 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules Pass mark for modules is 50%. The results of candidates who have successfully completed a programme of study leading to a Master s degree shall be graded by order of merit as Pass with Distinction and Pass. The following shall be the minimum overall percentages used to determine the final gradings of candidates: Pass with Distinction 70% Pass 50% A mark of 70% or above must also be achieved in the dissertation/project in order for the degree to be awarded with Distinction. 8

9 Classification of Final Result (exit awards) The following shall be the minimum overall percentages sued to determine the final gradings of candidates. For both Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate Pass with Distinction 70% Pass 50% External examiners There is one external examiner who is an academic subject or professional expert appointed from outside the University. The key function of the external examiner is to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. The external examiner is involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners. 17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING Of the 86 academic staff in the School of Biomedical Sciences, over 30 are recognised practitioners (members/fellow) of the Higher Education Academy, hold the Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching or Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PgCHEP), or hold an alternative equivalent qualification. There is one National Teaching Fellow and one Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Three members of the course team are Fellows of the Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice (CHERP) at Ulster. Four colleagues have been recognised for excellence in teaching through the University of Ulster Distinguished Teaching Fellowship Awards. Several members of the Subject team have been awarded CHEP (Ulster) Development Funding, Teaching Development Grants from the Higher Education Academy of from the JISC TechDis HEAT3 Scheme. This funding has supported innovations in the following areas: developing staff skills and understanding in using problem-based learning (PBL); using text messaging for student communication, in-class voting and feedback; facilitating audio feedback to students; and the use of reflective video logs in year one chemistry practical classes. Several staff members have past and current experience of external examining similar provision at other institutions. The School of Biomedical Sciences enjoys a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Biomedical Sciences research was awarded 5* in both RAE 1996 and With 95% of staff publications submitted in RAE 2008 being rated as of international quality, Biomedical Sciences Research at Ulster was ranked 2 nd in the UK within the Professions Allied to Medicine category. 9